Environmental security: towards a New Zealand perspective

Abstract

Environmental security is concerned with the relationship between the natural environment and security - in particular national security - and the propensity for environmental change to generate political instability or conflict. The concept awaits fuller definition, but covers a range of disciplines, issues and debates. Attention to "non-military" and environmental threats to security, combined with concern about environmental degradation, implicate a variety of topics and issues including: redefinition of security; priority to environmental concerns in national security policy; appropriate role of the military; and scope for environmental issue integration within the military paradigm. Other important linkages relate to economy, trade, sustainable development and environmental externalities. Although the environment is an important component of New Zealand's cultural identity, economic base, and factor affecting international reputation, New Zealand has yet to formulate a fully-fledged response to the challenges raised and identified through debates relating to environmental security. This paper anticipates New Zealand developing an environmental security policy, although conclusions to specific problems are not sought. It is a study about understanding the relevant conceptual landscape and issues involved in formulating an environmental security policy. This adds context to discussion about the relevance and applicability of a broader concept of security for New Zealand.